The novella revolves around a young Russian officer named Hermann, who becomes obsessed with uncovering the secret to winning at cards after hearing a story about an elderly countess who possesses this knowledge. Driven by greed and the allure of easy wealth, Hermann schemes to learn the secret from the countess, leading to a series of events that intertwine fate, supernatural elements, and psychological intrigue. His relentless pursuit of the secret ultimately leads to a haunting and tragic conclusion, as the line between ambition and madness becomes dangerously blurred.

The 3667th greatest book of all time